21 best art events in Dubai this week

Ballet, theatre, cinema and more of the best cultural events in the city

By
Jenny Hewett
16 April 2013

Wednesday 17

Christie’s auction of modern and contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish art This auction showcases works by leading Arab artists including Zenderoudi, Sepehri, Moshiri, Moudarres, Guiragossian, Kayyali and Essaydi, with artworks starting at around Dhs11,000. 7pm. Until April 17. Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers (04 425 5644).

Timur Akhmadov Alif Gallery is currently displaying works by internationally acclaimed Uzbek artist in the public areas of DIFC’s Gate Village. His landscape paintings reveal the artist’s skill with texture and depth. Until April 30. Gate Village, DIFC (050 702 1064).

The Dara Chronicles Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh’s solo show explores stories told to her as a child about the Dubai-based MV Dara passenger liner explosion on April 8 1961 in the Persian Gulf, in which 238 people died. Until May 31. The Ara Gallery, Downtown Dubai (04 454 2784).

The Open Exhibition Think you’ve got skills to rival Rembrandt? Paint a canvas at thejamjar and you’ll have a chance to join this open exhibition of independent artists and painting enthusiasts. Anyone above the age of 18 can enter one painting, whether amateur or professional. All paintings must be on thejamjar canvas painting packages and painted at studio. Submissions must be made before April 20. The final selection will be made by thejamjar and displayed until April 30. Until April 30. Thejamjar, Street 17a, Al Quoz 3 (04 341 7303).

Friday 19

An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar/Contraband This solo exhibition by American artist Taryn Simon features two bodies of work, and examines the hidden elements that contribute to modern American culture. Until May 6. The Pavilion, Downtown Dubai (04 447 7026).

Sharjah Biennial 11: Re:emerge Towards a New Cultural Cartography Today, see a music performance by Charbel Haber at 5.30pm at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, followed by Ryoji Ikeda’s performance at 8pm at Sharjah Institute for Theatrical Arts, and film screenings programmed by Tilda Swinton and Jean-Pierre Rehm at 8.30pm at Mirage City Cinema, Maurouth Square. Until May 13. Arts and Heritage Areas, Sharjah (06 544 4113)

Saturday 20

Beginning at the EndInspired by ninth-century Islamic philosophers and the black-on-black works of many abstract expressionists, UK-based artist Idris Khan uses black oil-based ink on black-screened paper to create drawings that probe the essence of the artist and art making. Until April 21. Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde, Street 8, Building 17, Alserkal Avenue (04 323 5052).

Marilyn Monroe by Bert Stern This show features a number of images taken in June 1962, just six weeks before Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe’s death. Until April 18. JAMM Art Gallery, Street 8, Warehouse 11, Building 19, near Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1 (050 228 8134).

Monday 22

Film Buzz with DIFF at The Pavilion Downtown Starting this evening and running over three consecutive nights, the Pavilion will screen City of God, directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund; Gomorrah, directed by Matteo Garrone; and La Haine, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. All films are rated 18+. Free. 7.30pm. Until April 24. The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard (04 447 7025).

The Moving Museum – Tectonic The Dubai slot of this travelling programme features artists including Jeremy Deller, Ali Banisadr, Michael Rakowitz, The Bruce High Quality Foundation and Eddie Peake. Until April 25. Gate Village 9, DIFC (052 836 8872).

Tuesday 23

Affordable Art Night All artworks on display at this event at DIFC’s Art Sawa gallery are priced at Dhs5,000 or less. They cover a wide range of mediums including photography, oil on canvas, mixed media and sculpture. Until April 27. Art Sawa, DIFC (04 386 2366).

Bozart Private View An exhibition that champions the little guy. This show unveils the works of Dubai’s talented and little-known emerging talents. Until June 1. Bohouse Café, The Walk at JBR (04 429 8655).

The Wrong Women A solo exhibition by contemporary Iranian artist Afshin Pirhashemi, who presents 12 new paintings that explore the role of women in contemporary Iranian society. His edgy artworks have a gothic feel. Until April 25. Ayyam Gallery, DIFC (04 439 2395).

This week’s theatre

Don Quixote From Tuesday April 17, Bulgaria’s Sofia Ballet performs an eight-night run of this famous ballet, based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes. The story centres around the adventures of Alonso Quijano, who decides to set out to revive chivalry under a new name. Dhs375 front; Dhs280 regular. 7.30pm, April 17-20; April 23-26. Madinat Theatre, www.timeouttickets.com